I started “late November” with pretty epic DOMS after checking whether I was fit enough to climb and then swim, in that order. Turns out that I can, but that doesn’t mean I should!

And then Couch to 5k (C25K) – Run 5.3 is a warm up then 20 minutes running.. a massive step up. I did that with pretty sore muscles and I was alright. The temperature was still 10 degrees Celsius and a bit misty, fine tonight but Autumn is definitely setting in.
I finally had a total rest day, just keeping my step count up at 6000 and then on Wednesday I was right back at it with a swim session. I don’t quite know how, but I managed to smash my personal best. In 56 minutes I swam 84 lengths!! That’s over 1.3 miles and I am genuinely chuffed.
It gets dark so early now!! But at least it’s still fairly warm. I had a particularly busy week with lots of travel and so I took my running gear away with me and tried to find a decent running spot near my hotel one evening. It left a lot to be desired to be honest.

Run 6.2 included two 10-minute runs separated by a 3 minute walk.. I was glad that the walk wasn’t too long as it was super dark and I really didn’t want to hang around in the park any longer than I had to.
After a hectic few days I managed to pick up a cold but I took cold & flu medication and rested as much as I could, and I shook the roughness in less than 24 hours! My next swim was a fairly leisurely one with Lance and we managed a calm 64 lengths.
Well that escalated quickly…. I’ve just finished today’s Run 6.3 which was a step change in a couple of ways. Firstly, it’s just 25 minutes of running, so there’s no breaks in the session. And secondly, it was FREEZING!! The temperature was 3° but the “feels like” temperature was -1 and it really felt like it. A HUGE change from earlier runs where it was closer to 10°. I found an old beanie and some running gloves that I’ve never used before and they were absolutely spot on. Without them I think I wouldn’t have been able to finish the run. I found myself periodically chuckling out loud at my predicament.
I bought a new pair of trainers this weekend as well (final weekend in November). I bought the last pair in April, so I’m a bit surprised to need new ones this soon but I suppose covid has meant that I wore trainers for far more than just running, and now I can tell that they don’t give me as much support as I need for road running. I’ll make sure to use the “old” pair plenty, to ensure my new ones stay good for running.

I’ve also picked out my sleeping bag for the expedition and I’m so excited to try it out – need to start planning a pre-trek trip.

Swimming on Sunday evening was hard work, even 4 hours after a roast dinner, but I managed 70 lengths at a steady pace despite feeling like I was close to sinking!
At the end of November I have swum 18.5 miles and I’m one run into Week 7 of the C25K 🙂
Well done Holli Love Madhu Xx
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As someone who’s grown up in a tropical country, running in 10C weather does sound like an awesome time. Training plan looking pretty awesome there. Thanks for sharing!
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